Italians will vote in a referendum next month on whether to limit the role of the country’s upper house of parliament, the Senate. <br /><br /> The proposed reforms would concentrate power in the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies.<br /><br /> Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says the measures would result in a stronger and more stable government. He has even tied the vote to his own political future, saying if his reforms are rejected, he would resign. <br /><br /> Final polls suggest PM Matteo Renzi is likely to lose out in Italy’s referendum https://t.co/i8GgrYWObf pic.twitter.com/DfGAd8sGoq— Bloomberg (@business) November 18, 2016<br /><br /> But all polls carried out since October 21 have put the no camp in the lead, and by a widening margin, forcing Renzi to backtrack.<br /><br /> Most opposion parties and even some of Renzi’s own Democratic Party are supporting a no vote, arguing the reforms would do away with a balanced parliament.<br /><br /> Some analysts say they could actually create more instability, leading to further social turmoil and market volatility across Europe.<br /><br /> Renzi’s days are numbered. The end of the EU is near. #ITEXIT<br /><br />Italy’s referendum result could DESTROY the EUhttps://t.co/f4WMGpWm4j— Paola (@Paola_Dec1231) November 13, 2016<br /><br /> How the reforms would change Italy’s Senate<br /><br /> The proposals would transform the upper house of parliament from a chamber of 315 directly elected politicians to a smaller Senate of Regions with just 100 seats. <br /><br /> Senators would be chosen from the 74 regional councillors and 21 mayors. <br /><br /> The five senators usually nominated by the president would serve for just seven years rather than for life.<br /><br /> Under the current system, a bill has to be approved by both chambers before becoming law.<br /><br /> If the reforms are approved, the Chamber of Deputies would have the final say on everyday bills.<br /><br /> The Senate would maintain its veto on constitutional matters and would examine bills if one third of its members wish to do so. <br /><br /> Renzi’s uncertain political future<br /><br /> If the prime minister loses the December 4 referendum, political paralysis beckons, with Italy potentially heading into elections with different voting rules applying for the two chambers.<br />
